There is an agreement between France and Tunisia enabling seconded French nationals to keep their entitlement to French Social Security benefits for three years, as long as they are employed by a French company. Only expatriates are required to join the Tunisian Social Security system.

How much does healthcare cost in Tunisia?

Contributions at 1st October 2010 were 6.75% shared between the employee and employer. 2.75% is paid by the employee directly from their salary and 4% by the employer.

What you need to do:

Employers are required to enrol their employees in the Social Security scheme (CNSS) within a month of their arrival in the company. Check that this has been done because enrolment in the National Health Insurance Fund is compulsory in order to obtain healthcare cover.

The private healthcare system

The private healthcare system in Tunisia has significantly expanded in terms of infrastructure as well as capacity and healthcare personnel. The private sector offers, for example, high-quality cosmetic surgery, spas and thalassotherapy to attract foreigners.

Similarly, dentists and opticians are found almost exclusively in the private sector.